There are both similarities and glaring differences between the two candidates seeking the office of sheriff of Jackson County. Both Democrat Ross Mellinger and Republican Noel Braley have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement. Both have college degrees in the area of criminal justice. At the same time, each has a different vision for the future of the county sheriff's department. Mellinger, chief deputy for the past six years, entered law enforcement in Jackson County in 1995. He started his career as a corrections officer...
